2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

How many ways can you say "kicks butt"?

Species evolve, said Charles Darwin, "so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co-adaptation which most justly excites our admiration." Perfect words for the Mitsubishi Evolution.

The modern evolution of a species that began with side-curtained '50s roadsters, this rally-bred Mitsu is as well balanced as any modern sports car and capable of quick sprints. The Evo is the under-$30,000 sports car to have, but its impact will be lessened slightly when the $32,000 300-horsepower Subaru WRX STi arrives.

While track testing is forthcoming, we can tell you that the car is no low-end grunter. But once you get into meaningful turbocharger boost, its power will push you back into your Recaro. The Evolution's (no VIII on its badge) driving environment is workaday; its steering is quick, precise, and light, and its shifter has short, positive throws. This square-rigged AWD compact sedan corners with some compliance at turn-in, stiffening as you carve hard into a turn. It's fairly neutral, with understeer when you push it late or lift-throttle oversteer if you get off it late. In quick esses on a short track, its tail hunkers down and slides nicely when reaching for the limit--we didn't miss the expensive Active Center Diff and Yaw Control of the Evo VII.The Evo ("VIII") feels as balanced and forgivable as a Porsche Boxster, with the same kind of sneak-up-on-you midrange power. This is how sports cars have evolved--and it's a kick to drive, whatever generation you occupy.